Thursday, May 2, 2013

Think Out Loud [7] Heroes

I've been thinking about heroes lately. Last week, my 4 year old ran ahead while I was locking the door to our apartment. I knew he would stop at the stairs, but I heard a funny sound. My eleven year old heard it too. He ran faster than me. When I appeared on the scene, a little yapper dog was being strangled by his leash as he made every attempt to bite John. Will jumped in front of his younger brother, throwing his arms wide. "I'll protect you." Just so you know, these two are mortal enemies most of the time. I jumped up and down and clapped. The dog owners thought we were a bunch of crazies, but who cares? This was huge. The two flights of stairs down to the parking lot were spent with me letting John know that his older brother loves him so much he just saved him and letting Will know that he was so neato.

Heroes. They come in all shapes and sizes. My most memorable hero has to be the mean white kid back when I was in elementary. That's what I called him, still call him because I have no idea what his name is and he was mean and white. The only other white kid in our class and he still called me honky and haole (sounds like howly) despite being keenly aware of how much it hurt to be teased about your race. One day on a field trip to the military base, I had wandered away from the group (happened a lot). I wanted to see what a white person's church looked like (think beige). I sat in a pew near the front and spaced out on things way beyond my comprehension (also happened a lot). One of my classmate's uncles suddenly appeared in front of me. I forgot he tagged along on the field trip. I knew I was in trouble. I had heard about him. All the kids had, but on Guam when I was a kid, sexual abuse was handled in-house. I couldn't move, not even when he sat down next to me, or when he put his hand on my leg. Then the main church doors pushed open. There was the mean white kid. Harsh sunlight haloed his frame and I swear he was an angel to me at that moment, still when I think back, I hear music like the heavens opened up. "Robyn, get out here!" I flew out of the pew, out of the church. I loved him, still do. I never developed a crush on him. Hell, I didn't even try to remember his name. He never took a break from calling me names. But I saw the look on his face, he knew what was about to happen. He saved me.

Heroes.

Join Think's awesome meme. Share a thought twirling around in your head, a gripe you mulled over while driving your kids to school, a quote that made you laugh or cry. Share anything. We'd love to have you join us.

12 comments:

  1. This was a really powerful TOL, Robyn. I had to read it over twice because it seemed like how could someone try something like that anywhere, much less a CHURCH? Good God. If someone ever tried that with my kids, I'd be in jail. So the mean kid actually said out loud for you to get out of there? Wow, he came in the nick of time.

    My kids are mortal enemies, too. Everyday, Jack says, "I miss Janie. When can we pick her up from school?" I think it's cute how your son looked out for his brother. Those are the moments between siblings that can be few and far betweeen, so when they happen, it leaves you with such a good feeling. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is amazing to me how that type of person is always on the look out for easy prey and always ready to make a move. Mean White Kid swooped in on his cranky horse for sure. If it were a piece of fiction, years later we'd be in love...

      The sibling back and forth drives me nuts! But you're right, those sweet exchanges are huge. Today, John was telling me how this boy at school hit him. Will turned red, he was that mad that someone was hurting John. "John, if you want, I could come to your school and help you out. Riddle me that." So sweet.

      Delete
  2. Oh wow Robyn. I am so glad he came in and saved you! I guess there are angels among us. Even in unlikely packages.
    You're kids sounds fantastic. I have no siblings or children so I can only imagine.
    Thank you for sharing for your Think Out Loud.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so believe in angels, the rescue you kind and the guardian kind that nudge you just the slightest to keep you from the occasional fatal blow...I've had a team since it was clear early on I will do things like jump in the deep end of the pool without a single swimming lesson.

      Thank you for the nice words about my boys. They are incredibly forgiving of all my parental blunders.

      Delete
  3. 'But I saw the look on his face, he knew
    what was about to happen. He saved me.'
    I love this, Robyn! Who would have thought the mean white kid could be your saving angel someday? One good example of life uncertainties.

    I liked how Will stood up for John. Reminds me of when I was young and my brother stood up for me in a fight. I began to respect him from then.

    I hope you have a fantastic weekend with your boys! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kaykay! Who would have thought is right. He forever changed my view of heroes after that.

      Will is the first one to tell you John is annoying, but he takes his big brother role seriously. Actually, he stands up for anyone being picked on. When he was in first grade, his teacher was yelling at one of the kids. Will told the teacher she was being mean and then he gave her a time out.

      I hope you have a great weekend too!

      Delete
  4. We've both seen Perks so you know that movie hit me hard as well. I'm so glad that this unexpected mean kid was there to help. Also, very proud of Will for stepping in for his brother! That's a very big bro thing for him to do :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wasn't prepared for that part of Perks, then when the whole story came together, it just tore me to pieces. I hadn't even suspected it.

      I was so proud of Will too! Half the time Will is shoving his brother, but it warmed me to see brother solidarity.

      Delete
  5. They always come when you least expect it! Glad he was there to stop him. I love the story about your kids, he is so sweet. My little cousins are always fighting but they stand up for one another. That's what brothers are for, I guess, I didn't have siblings until my dad remarried, she's 6 so it's a big difference now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought a bigger age difference would translate to less rivalry...nope. John wants to play with Will so bad. Will wants to play computers and be left alone. But I love the fierceness in Will's eyes if he thinks John needs protection.

      Delete
  6. Wow, that's an incredible story. I'm glad he saved you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! When I look back on it, I'm only grateful. I could have had very different memories from that day. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Happy Weekend!

      Delete